Alpha's Surprise Baby

By: Kellan Larkin

Alpha's Surprise BabyM/M Gay Shifter Mpreg Romance

(Alphas' Fated Mates Book 4)

1

Kade

“Honestly, man, I’m feeling a little bummed, and even thinking about this tour isn’t helping,” I said, lugging my guitar as we walked down the city streets. “I don’t know how we’re going to save the band after the tour.”

Jareo put a comforting hand on my shoulder. “We can do it, Kade, we just have to get through this. Who knows what’ll happen?”

“I know, you can’t predict the future and all that. But I feel overwhelmed, even with this bodyguard search. Like, why bother?” I frowned.

It wasn’t a good month for Ignis Lupus. We had become too used to the success that we enjoyed after the release of our debut album, Flames. The tour had been a hit, the energy explosive, and with gusto, we had plunged into the production of our second album, Cinders, putting our heart and soul into it.

It hadn’t sold half as well.

And on top of that, critics had panned it. They absolutely loathed it. It was thoroughly shitty to have put so much time, effort, and love into an album that the critics hated. Of course, the fans still carried us, but the overwhelmingly bad reviews had hurt sales considerably.

But still, because of our contract, we had to go on the Cinders tour, which was scheduled to start soon. And before I could do that, I had to hire a new bodyguard. It was pretty cool to think that I was famous enough to need one. But I wasn’t going to be famous much longer, not at this rate.

Jareo, my rhythm guitarist, was accompanying me to my manager’s office, where we were going to interview bodyguards. We needed a big, burly guy, one who wouldn’t think twice about booting out any crazy fans.

I had plenty of those.

In fact, it had gotten to the point where I was a little nervous about walking around backstage during shows. I could hold my own—especially because I was a shifter—but when I was finished with a set, practically drunk with exhaustion, I did not want to deal with defending myself. On top of that, I was a smallish guy. As much as I hated to admit it, I could get jostled around in crowds.

So I needed a guy who didn’t take any shit from fans, even the innocuous teenage girls. I loved my fans, but I needed my space. The right guy would be utterly steadfast about maintaining that.

We finally came to Michael’s office. Michael was a stern guy, all business. He liked music well enough, but his primary concern was the operation of the band. He had to be serious so that we could let loose when we played at shows and crafted our songs. For that, I was thankful. But it did make him a bit of a downer.

“The candidates are waiting in the hallway,” he said. “Just let my new intern, Tania, know when we want to bring the first one in.”

After Jareo and I took our seats next to Michael, I nodded to the star-struck young woman standing at the door. She kept glancing at me, drinking me in because I was a celebrity. It was cute sometimes, but when I just wanted to get things done, it could be annoying.

Tania peeped her head out and hollered for the first candidate to come in. He looked a little scary, but then, I wasn’t surprised. He had to be scary to frighten off even the most daring fans. The scars on his face and forearms, as well as his broad, muscular chest, would do that nicely.

“So, you’re Mikhail Nostman,” said Michael, shuffling through his papers.

“That’s right,” said Mikhail.

“And why would you like to be a bodyguard for my client?” Michael straightened the glasses on his nose, tattoos showing as his shirt sleeve slipped down.

“I am up for the challenge,” said Mikhail. “I know it is difficult, keeping a celebrity safe, but I am capable and adaptable.”

“Very good,” said Michael. “Now let’s talk about your experience…”

I ended up zoning out, truth be told. Mikhail seemed like a perfectly good, experienced candidate. So did the next guy. And the next guy. Michael was making detailed notes, I could see, but I didn’t really think any of them stood out to me. Michael had done a great job of picking out the very best for interviews, and at this point, I would have been happy with any of them.